2 convicted of setting tire fire get 4 years

7/10/2002

UPPER SANDUSKY, Ohio - Two men who started a 1999 fire at the Kirby Tire Recycling, Inc., dump in Wyandot County each was sentenced yesterday to four years in jail and ordered to pay $3.9 million in restitution.

Brent Young, 22, formerly of Bloomville in Seneca County, and Michael Schindewolf, 22, of Bucyrus, both had pleaded guilty to charges of arson and attempted aggravated arson in Wyandot County Common Pleas Court.

A third man, Scott Harer, 22, of Bloomville, pleaded guilty last month to the same charges and faces sentencing Aug. 1. A fourth suspect, Kenneth Stacklin, 22, of Bucyrus, faces similar charges. His case is pending.

Authorities said the men used an accelerant to start the fire at the dump near Sycamore. At least 5 million tires were burned.

Judge Kathleen Aubry ordered the pair to pay restitution to the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. She said that because the amount was so large, they could set up a payment plan once they are out of jail or they could negotiate a smaller amount.